Korea's Got Talent Sung-bong Choi wins hearts

Korea has found its next global talent show sensation in 22-year-old Sung-bong Choi. The former street kid with a weeper of a story wowed the audience on "Korea's Got Talent" and went on to garner tens of millions of hits on YouTube.

Choi's story is as powerful as his baratone voice:

"I was left in the orphanage when I was 3," he told the judges at this first appearance, "and when I was 5, I ran away after being beaten by people there. I sold gum or energy drinks on the street. I had that life for about 10 years."

Before grabbing the mike, Choi said bashfully "I'm not a very good singer." Then, to everyone's surprise, a rich baratone voice came out of the small boy. The voice sounded as if it belonged to a man twice his age and build and it brought both the presenters and the audience to tears.

Though Choi allegedly spent most of his life sleeping in stairwells and public toilets, he decided he wanted to sing after seeing a performer in a nightclub where he was selling gum.

"I was fascinated by the singer who sang on the stage so sincerely," Choi said.

Choi did attend an arts school around the age of 16 and graduated in 2009. It was his only schooling.

Choi had been working as a construction worker and has said he finds it unbelievable that someone like him was able to be on a show like "Korea's Got Talent." Now, he claims to have "a reason to live."

Choi is the favorite to win "Korea's Got Talent," but even if he doesn't, one of the judges has preemptively promised to help him along with vocal training.

The finals of the show will take place on August 20.

Kajenkala Wins Beauty Pageant Miss Dimapur 2011

Miss Dimapur 2011, Kajenkala (Centre) is flanked by 1st Runners’ up Makenmenla Chang (Left) and 2nd Runners’ up Alino Sumi

DIMAPUR, JULY 23: Miss Kajenkala was crowned Miss Dimapur 2011. The highly anticipated ceremony to crown the new beauty ambassador of Dimapur was conducted at the Town Hall, Dimapur on Friday, July 22 with Himato Zhimomi, IFS, Commissioner & Secretary (Art, Culture and Tourism) gracing the occasion as the chief guest. Makenmenla Chang was first runner-up while Alino Sumi was second runner-up.

The newly crowned Kajenkala is the 21st beauty queen to wear the coveted Miss Dimapur tiara. She took over from 2010 winner Allin. Helping choose the district beauty ambassador was an elite panel of judges comprising of Apu Chang, Dr. Kevichusa, Asenla Longkumer and Amenla Therie.
The winner also won a sub-title in the Ethnic Wear category. The other sub-titles went to Faihamti (Perfect Ten), Kiyeshi (Beautiful Skin), Neikemhienuo (Photogenic), Longshibeni (Congeniality), Alino Sumi (Talented), and EGON Fresh Face (Makenmenla Chang). Three contestants – Faihamti, Zeuhei Hairang and Sekholu were chosen as the ‘Ambassadors of NEZCC’ while Chumchanbeni and Alino Sumi were chosen as the ‘Ambassadors of Tourism Department’. Winner Kajenkala was selected as the ‘Ambassador of the Youth Association of Nagaland’. Second Runner up Alino Sumi was adjudged ‘Aircel Local Brand Ambassador’.
Ethnic Group of Nagaland (EGoN), a society dedicated to supporting and promoting the rich culture and beauty talent of the region has organised the event. This year’s theme for the event was ‘Culture & Couture-synchronizing Faces, Fashion & Feminism’

SIKKIM CM FELICITATED

 Singtam Marwari samaj presents mementos to chief minister of Sikkim dr pawan chamling

Monsoon bring down roads in Sikkim

GANGTOK, 23 July: The stretch of NH 31A between Rangpo and Singtam was hit by a series of landslides at around 10 p.m. which held up traffic for 11 hours. The more severe of the slides was at 10th Mile near Baghey Khola [see pic]. 
A substantial portion of the protection wall above the road and a huge tree were brought down by the slide, damaging high tension electricity transmission lines.

Since this stretch sees traffic till rather late in the night, a long queue of vehicles clogged the highway soon after the slide, with many passengers having no option but to sped the night in the vehicles.
As morning broke, employees needing to cross the slide to get to work on either side were also left stranded. Several pilgrims who left early for the “Bol-Bum” journey were also stuck in the jam.
Work on clearing the slide began at around 7 this morning, it is learnt, and the debris was cleared for vehicles to get through by 8:30 a.m. Work continues to stabilize the stretch.

Sikkim boycotts NHPC Stage-IV Hydro Project

The affected people of Teesta Stage-IV and their representatives boycott the public hearing scheduled for 22 July at Namprikdang.

North Sikkim, 22 July: The affected people of Dzongu carried through their resolve to boycott the public hearing called for Teesta Stage-IV hydel project with complete unanimity today. When all of them, including their panchayats and MLA, remained no-shows at the venue of the public hearing, the Namprikdang Ground, even till noon, the DC [North], who chairs the public hearing panel, postponed the public hearing till further notice since not even a single person had shown up, save the concerned officials and NHPC representatives.

The venue was hit by a minor case of arson last night when some banners and decorations at the stage were burned by miscreants. No substantial damage was caused.

The affected people, along with their panchayats, it may be recalled, had resolved that even though they were not opposed to the project per se, they could not trust NHPC anymore since they had seen the denials and ignored promises suffered by the affected people of Teesta Stage-V developed slightly downstream from where NHPC proposes to develop the Rs. 3,594.74 crore Stage-IV. They had drafted an 11-point list of queries and clarifications [see NOW! issue dated 22 July 2011 for details], which was submitted to the DC earlier in the morning.

The joint representation of the panchayat and public details that they want a written reply from NHPC to all the queries before they reconsider their decision.

Announcing the postponement of the public hearing, the DC directed NHPC to carry out thorough public consultation before the public hearing whenever it is called for next so that such a boycott was not repeated.

As per the Environment Impact Assessment and Management Plan prepare for the project, a total of 14 villages/ blocks will be “directly affected” due to various project activities. The total population of these villages is 14,291 divided among 2,793 households. As of now, none of them has any faith in assurances that NHPC would have made at the public hearing.

The hearing was scheduled to begin at Namprikdang Ground in Upper Dzongu at 11 a.m. this morning, but no official business could be conducted in light of the zero turn-out of people or their representatives.

Speaking with media-persons here, the NHPC Executive Director [Siliguri], Dhiman Parija, sought to alleviate the feeling of hurt expressed loud and clear today, by insisting that if the corporation has missed out something, it will make amends.

He added that NHPC will now approach the affected people, understand their grievances in more detail and fulfil their demands. He also stated that the people should express their demands and commented that today’s boycott came as a surprise, insisting that “everything was normal till the day before”.

AK Choudhary, Chief Engineer, NHPC Teesta Stage-IV, explained the project details. NHPC plans to generate 2,372 million units of power from Teesta Stage IV, 13% of which will be the State’s share. He also stated that the corporation was “always open to discuss as per the memorandum”.

The Teesta Stage-IV hydroelectric project is located on the Teesta in North Sikkim and 327.07 hectare will be acquired for it- 143.49 ha Government and Forest land and 180.58 private land.

The proposed dam site is located downstream of the confluence of Run Chhu with Teesta near Chandey village.

The major components of the project are located on the right bank (Dzongu area) while other infrastructure (project headquarters, store, workshop and labour colony) will be created on the left bank to minimize the land requirement in Dzongu. The dam is to be located at Zimchung and Hee-Gyathang villages, while the adit works will be confined to the Gnon Sangdong GPU. The labourers and officers colonies are proposed in Tingchim-Mangshilla GPU.

(NowDaily)

Police impound luxury cars from Tai Situpa Rinpoche

Shimla, July 22: Troubles seem to be increasing for 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje's mentor Tai Situpa Rinpoche, a high orderly monk in powerful Kagyu Karmapa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. The police on Thursday sized four high-end luxury cars, with Bhutanese registration number, from Sherabling monastery in Battu village of Kangra district.



Sherab Ling Monastery in Himalchal Pradesh, India



All four cars were being used by monks residing in Sherabling monastery, that was set up by Tai Setu Rinpoche. The police had information that six vehicles with Bhutanese registration number were plying illegaly in different parts of the state. After gathering the information, cops from the police station in Baijnath visited the monastery and seized two luxury vehicles - a Toyota Land Cruiser and another sports utility vehicle. The estimated cost of the both these vehicles is said to be above Rs 1.20 crore. Interestingly, both the vehicles which were earlier being used by Tai Setupa Rinpoche had the same registration number - BHT- 27. The registration number for the Toyota Land Cruiser, that was being used by the Tai Setupa Rinpoche, is issued in the name of Royal Grand Mother of Bhutan.

Sources in the police department told media that the registration number of the Land Cruiser was earlier issued to a 1975 model Land Rover.The other tow vehicles that were impounded by the police were Isuzu's trooper - bearing number BG-2- 0179. The impounded vehicles are said to be owned by the Royal Palace of Thimpu that has also issued diplomatic visa to Tai Setupa Rinpoche.

The fourth is the white colored Mitsubishi van - BP-1-0055 - that is owned by a local monk Dzongsar Rinpoche. The police sources said that Tai Setupa Rinpoche was in meditation when the police reached the Sherabling monastery to take away the vehicles.

"We have impounded four vehicles and the further investigations are on," said Kangra suprintendent of police Daljeet Thakur. Tai Setu Rinpoche, who is said to have close connection with leaders in China, had been instrumental in selection of 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje -- who was coronated as the head of the Karma Kagyu Sect at Tsurphu monastery in Tibet. Tai Setupa is the spiritual mentor of Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje.

Bhutanese number luxury cars came under the scanner after the sleuths recovered Rs 6.5 crore from Gyotu Tantric monastery, the transit home of 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje in January this year. Police had detected that about half a dozen vehicles bearing registration number from Bhutan had been plying in Rewalsar and Baijnath areas. The vehicles had not been registered anywhere in India and had been brought without paying custom duties.

30th day of Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's Village to Village Tour

Gangtok: 22nd July: The Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on the 30th day of his village to village tour emphasized on the welfare measures of the government. Talking about the various welfare measures of the government the Chief Minister declared that the age for the Old Age Pension which is 65 years will be reduced to 60 years from now onwards. He also declared that an amount of Rs.600/- per month will be given to old people of the age group of 60 to 80 years. For the people of above 80 years the amount will be increased to  Rs.1000/- per month, the Chief Minister announced. He also announced Maternity Allowance of Rs. 3000/- as one time grant for the mothers in case of institutional delivery. He also announced Child Protection Allowance of Rs.500/- per month for children till they attain six years in case of institutional delivery. This he said is being done to encourage institutional delivery which will not only safeguard the mother during delivery but will also help in reducing infant mortality rate of the state.

The Chief Minister was very much disappointed about the malpractices involved in the distribution of domestic LPG Cylinders. In this regard he said that the people involved in misuse of cylinders shall be brought to justice. The middlemen involved in this trade shall be booked too. The government has taken very serious note of this, the Chief Minister added.  Talking about the various schemes and projects undertaken at various places around the state the Chief Minister said transparency has to be maintained in these projects as the people have every right to know about the projects being undertaken at their places. Social estimates of the projects have to be prepared and it should be explained in a lay man’s term to the villages in the Gram Sabha.

It is for the people that we are working and they should know what is happening around them. Since the people do not understand the technicalities involved in the projects they should be explained in as simple way as possible so that they understand the projects. In this regard the Chief Minister also said that the people also have the responsibility towards the projects. They should see that the projects being undertaken at their areas are of quality and should voice their grievances if they are not satisfied with the implementation of the projects. At Rongli Bazar, the Sikkim Chief Minister while talking about the demand of upgradation of school said that the government has taken a decision to upgrade and update the existing infrastructure of the school for next two years and the upgradation of the school will be taken up after two years. He also informed that the work for beautification and upgradation of Rongli Bazar like that of MG Marg, Gangtok will be started very soon. In this regard he solicited the cooperation of the local people. Their was hue and cry when we started the beautification of MG Marg, Gangtok and we had to face much criticism but later on the people realized that this has been done for good cause. Now the business has increased manifold in Gangtok Bazar, the Chief Minister said.

At Rongli Bazar the Chief Minister also inaugurated a Shiva Temple. At Sudunglakha, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Veterinary Sub Centre. During the 30th day the Chief Minister addressed the public at Dalapchand, Rongli Bazar and Sudunglakha.

29th day of Sikkim Chief Minister's village to village tour

Gangtok: “The Nathula Trade route is just the beginning of the development process. Widening of the road is in progress and I have a dream of bringing one lakh tourists to Tshangu lake”, Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling said this at a public function organized at Tshangu lake premises Thursday on his 29th day of village to village tour.

Stressing on the tourism development Chief Minister sanctioned Primary Health centre at Tshangu which will be both for the local people and the tourists, he said. In order to develop infrastructure in tourism sector Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said that way side amenities on both side of the road from Gangtok to Nathula will be created. In this context the Chief Minister directed the Forest Department to process for forest clearance of areas on both side of the roadside from Gangtok to Nathula. “The rules sometimes create obstacle in development process but rules should be used in the interest of the people”, Chief Minister said and directed the Forest Department to search for ways and means and come out with a solution in public interest.

Sikkim Chief Minister’s entourage crossed the highest point of 14000 ft at Sherathang during his tour on the day. At Kupup while declaring many projects for the development of tourism Chief Minister informed the public that Tsangu lake is being developed for boating and fishing purpose. In this regard he urged the public to go for tourism industry as this is an alternative profession for the people. He further said that the problem of land ownership of the Alpine Adventure Park shall be solved by the government. The government will do its best to solve this problem but the people should come forward and adopt the profession of tourism, Chief Minister said.

At Gnathang Chief Minister inaugurated the renovated Dafter bunglow. At Zuluk Dr. Chamling while addressing the gathering assured the public that 60 houses for those who have been staying at roadside will be constructed at another place. The land for the 60 houses has already been allotted by the government, he said.

Talking about the government initiatives for the development of tourism in the state he said that a holistic approach has been adopted by the government for the development of tourism in the state. Further nnouncing another government initiative Chief Minister declared that in order to increase the flow of tourist in Rhenock, Rongli, Phademchen, Zuluk and adjoining areas the government will take a decision to make one way traffic compulsory for the tourists from Gangtok to Rongli and vice versa. This will increase the flow of tourists in these areas, he said.

 (With IPR input)

Spice Board Revives Black Cardamom of Sikkim

Gangtok, July 22: A total of 45 farmers from Tingzey ward of Upper Mangshilla, North Sikkim who have undertaken the cardamom farming under the scheme “Certified Nursery” the scheme which has been funded by the Spices Board of India. The farmers of this village are doing well through this scheme which has become one of the main sources of income for them presently. The farmers were taught with the new farming technology method under this scheme for the cultivation of sucker “Large Cardamom” by the Spices Board along with the Rain Water Harvesting for irrigation of the cardamom during dry spell too. The scheme which was provided to the farmers five years ago is now giving production and the farmers are able to sell the cardamom in the market. Considering the development of the said program a joint inspection was conducted by the Spices Board, headed by the Senior Field Officer, Mr. PT Lepcha and Mr. R J Mondal, Farm Manager including Mr. Ringzing Bhutia, Inspector from Horticulture Department. The inspecting team found the progress of the cardamom in the area as per the expectation of the Department. The farmers have to produce at least 2000 saplings for mitigating the target of single unit ,

Mr. Laksingh Limboo one of the farmer informed that he was able to produce five quintal of cardamom last year and was able to sale more than four thousand saplings which gives annual income of more than

4 lakhs. This year his expectation is more than what he got last year. Mr. Limboo who has started the farming since five years ago started producing cardamom after two years of plantation and expressing his gratitude towards the Spices Board for providing such a fruitful scheme in the village by which many farmers can bear their household expenses.

 Mr. R J Mondal, Farm Manager, Spices Board informed that the department has provided the scheme in most of the villages in North District and also added that the saplings have been demanded by the

Horticulture Department too for distribution to the farmers from other districts too. Mr. Mondal adding more informed that the Spices Board is providing the training on new method of farming as well.

Spice Board of India provide the subsidy grant of Rs. 11,500/- to each farmer.

Renovated 111 yrs old mandir at Rongli inaugurated by Sikkim CM

Rongli, July 22: The 111 years old mandir of Rongli bazaar, renovation and reconstruction works has been totally completed and  inaugurated today on 22nd July by the Sikkim Chief Minister during a grand spiritual programme.The puja and pran pratisthan programme of the new statue of gods brought from Rajasthan made fully of marble was also held during the inaugural programme. According to the mandir inauguration committee members the puja performed with kalash and sobha yatra . Like wise on the same day the Gayatri Pariwar Rongli organized special spiritual programme inclusive of bhajan from the local spiritual organization. Whereas on 21st July Brahmakumari Rhenock delivered spiritual speech along with the bhajan program performed by Pandit Indra Prasad Gajurel, Pandit Yogesh Sastri and group.

Today on 22nd July the grand spiritual programmes  began by 9 am in the morning and the mandir inaugurated by the Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling whereas during the evening Sai Samiti and Krishna Bhajan Mandali of Rongli is scheduled to organize the bhajan programme.

BJP serves legal notice on allotment of power project land

Gangtok, July 22 (PTI) The Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] state unit has served a legal notice on the Sikkim Government seeking clarification on what it described as illegal land allotment at Lower Lagyap Power Project site at Ranipool in East Sikkim. The notice was served yesterday with the respondents being the Chief Secretary, four District Collectors, and Secretaries of Power, Urban Development & Housing and Land Revenue Departments, Padam Chettri, president of the state BJP unit said today.Chettri told a press conference here that according to a notification passed in 2003, government land cannot be allotted to anyone.

Eleven families have however, been allotted land in the area on the Ranipool-Pakyong road in 2010, he said adding that the file was approved on a government holiday and registration done on December 3, 2010. There were 100 applicants ranging from drivers, lower divisional clerks to linesmen but none of them received land, while these 11 big shot people have been allotted land, the BJP president claimed. Citing a Supreme Court order passed on July 17 this year that land acquired for public purposes cannot be re-allocated, he further said such instances were noticed not only in the Power Department but in other departments as well. We have served a one month legal notice to the eight Sikkim government officials involved and if they do not respond then we will go to the High Court and if need to the Supreme Court with this matter,he said.

The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee against hydel power project on the Rathung Chu

Gangtok, July 21: The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (Siblac) today wrote to Union environment and forest minister Jayanthi Natarajan, objecting to the clearance granted to a 99MW hydel power project on the Rathung Chu, a river considered holy by the Sikkimese.

The committee contends that the clearance was given despite the ministry of environment and forests stating earlier that it had not received any proposal on the project.

Three power projects — Lethang (96MW), Ting Ting (99MW) and Tashiding (97MW) — had been planned over the Rathung Chu, a tributary of the Rangeet river. The Lethang project had been rejected by the standing committee for the National Board for Wildlife in October last year following objections from Siblac, which had pointed out that the proposed project would hurt the “religious sentiments” of Bhutias and Lepchas.

According to documents collected by Siblac, the ministry of environment and forests on July 4 communicated its environmental clearance to a private company that is developing the 99MW Ting Ting project, 140km from Gangtok.

This clearance, Siblac convener Tseten Tashi Bhutia said, was given within two-and-a-half months of then environment minister Jairam Ramesh saying his department was not aware of the Ting Ting project nor the other one proposed over the Rathang Chu.

On March 16, Ramesh had written to the National Commission for Minorities member from the Northeast, Spalze Angmo, saying of the three power projects initially proposed over the Rathung Chu, the 96MW Lethang project had been rejected by the standing committee of National Board for Wildlife. As far as the other two projects are concerned, the proposals had not been received by the ministry, Ramesh had said. Angmo had taken up the matter with the Centre on behalf of Siblac.

“Ramesh had stated categorically that his ministry was not aware of the Ting Ting and Tashiding projects. How come this controversial project got environmental clearance? We request an impartial probe,” said Tseten Tashi in his letter to Union environment and forest minister Jayanti Natarajan.

“We believe there is some communication gap within the ministry but we cannot allow our religious sentiments and history to be wronged by it. While giving the environmental clearance to the Ting Ting project, the ministry stated that there is no national park, sanctuary, biosphere reserve or historical monuments in the vicinity of the project area. But the proposed dam of all the three projects is located within 10km of the Kanchenjungha National Park,” said Tashi.

The Siblac convener has substantiated this claim before Natarajan with an RTI reply. The dam of the proposed 99MW Ting Ting and Tashiding power projects falls within 10km of the boundary of Kanchenjungha National Park, the state forest department had submitted in response to the RTI query

Historical collection of Sikkim photographs

Alice S. Kandell

Sikkim is high in the Himalaya Mountains of India, bordered by Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. The setting is remarkable, with steep slopes, thatched cottages, Buddhist temples, cobbled paths and terraced fields. During many visits from 1965 to 1971, Alice S. Kandell photographed vivid scenes from daily life, documenting the culture of the tiny kingdom before it vanished.

Three hundred of these extraordinary photographs, showing both people and landscapes, are now online at the Library of Congress at  www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/kskm/about.html.  Photographer Kandell has dedicated the rights to the public to encourage worldwide access. Researchers who visit the Library can consult the entire collection of 15,000 color and black-and-white images, which Kandell donated to the Library in 2010.

Prince Palden Namgyal of Sikkim, who lives in New York, said “Dr. Kandell’s collection of photographs represents a rare and valuable snapshot of an era that many young Sikkimese have very little knowledge of today. The pictures are not only beautiful but represent an important historical record of our family. More importantly, they capture the culture, tradition and daily life of a far simpler and more innocent time. We are very grateful to the Library of Congress for preserving Dr. Kandell’s collection and making it accessible to all.”

28th day of the Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's village to village tour

Gangtok: 20th July:The Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling inaugurated the Packaged Drinking Water Plant at Government Food Preservation factory, Dokey Chisopani on the 28th day of the village to village tour. He also declared for the modernization of the Government Food Preservation Factory. All the things to be done by the government for the modernization of the factory will be done by the government, the Chief Minister said while declaring the modernization of the factory.

The Sikkim Chief Minister while talking about the various initiatives of the government for the labour class said that the labour classes have been looked upon well by the government. Talking about the Chief Minister Rural Housing Scheme the Chief Minister declared that houses under Indira Awas Yogna and GCI sheets will be provided to those not possessing Sikkim Subject/ Certificate of Identification as well.

At Chisopani the Chief Minister was very seriousabout the damages done to houses above the roadside due to low quality of the work on the roadside. The Chief Minister said that the Chief Secretary have been directed to call the Chief Engineer of GREF and ask him to take action immediately and restore the damage of the public which has been caused due to the negligence on their part. If suitable action is not taken by the GREF in this regard then the government will have no choice but to go to the court in the public interest, he said.

At Singtam Bazar the Sikkim Chief Minister declared for the construction of Lall Bazar like that of Kanchanjunga Shopping Plaza of Gangtok.At Majitar the Chief Minister handed over the keys of the ambulance to the BM United Service cooperative society. The NEXGEN Foil Company had donated the ambulance to the people of Majitar. The maintenance and upkeep of the ambulance will be done by Majitar Nagar Panchayat and BM United Service Co-operative Society.The Chief Minister also reiterated the stand of the government.

Sikkim Cut-off by landslips

Landslides block WB-Sikkim highway

Sikkim Blocked Again

The ongoing monsoons have once again started to take its toll along NH-31A, with various places along the West Bengal-Sikkim highway being blocked because of landslides, police said.

After closing down the highway for over 12 hours at Rambi in the West Bengal side on June 17, the rains have once again disrupted traffic along the highway since Tuesday.

“The highway is blocked at a place around 200 meters from Teesta Bridge towards Siliguri. The spot which is near the Shiv Mandir at the infamous Likhey Bhir is informed to have lost a section of the road due to heavy rains,” Janmukti Chalak Mahasangh’s (JCM) president Milan Pradhan said.

The section of the road broke down at around mid-night on Tuesday after which traffic came to a standstill with vehicles on either side returning back to their destinations or taking alternative routes via Darjeeling, Kurseong or Mirik, police said.

Drivers are also taking the route via Kalimpong-Lava-Gurubathan and Damdim and entering Siliguri through the Coronation Bridge from West Bengal.

Author Chetan Bhagat & 54 Escapes Air India Flight Skid Disaster

Kanpur: An Air India plane skidded off the runway at the Kanpur airport. All passengers are safe.

Author Chetan Bhagat, who was on the flight, tweeted, "Emergency landing as plane skidded off runway into wet mud. Lucky save. Evacuations on now."

The plane was headed from Delhi to Kolkata via Kanpur. It had close to 50 passengers on board.

Mr Bhagat also said, "The plane wheels are barely visible, dug deep into mud. Everyone's out now. Rattled but safe."

More details are awaited.

Animal Attack Pictures: Wild Leopard mauls six in Siliguri

In a horrifying moment, a fully grown leopard pounced on a forest guard in Siliguri

An unidentified forest guard aims his rifle as he is attacked by a wild leopard (Panthera pardus) at Prakash Nagar village near Salugara on the outskirts of Siliguri on July 19, 2011. Six people were mauled by the leopard after the feline strayed into the village area before it was caught by forestry department officials. Forest officials made several attempt to tranquilised the full grown leopard that was wandering through a part of the densely populated city when curious crowds startled the animal, a wildlife official said.

 

AFP PHOTO/Diptendu DUTTA